Although we look for ways to give back to the community throughout the year, VHFA staff have stepped things up a bit during the holiday season.

The first of the agency's recent efforts was a Thanksgiving food drive for the Chittenden County Emergency Food Shelf. A total of 120 pounds of food, ranging from frozen turkeys to canned goods, was donated by the staff.

Several days later marked the annual VHFA Pie Auction, in which the culinary prowess of staff reaped proceeds of $245 for the United Way of Chittenden County.

It's time for VHFA's annual mitten drive for Burlington's King Street Center and we need your help. Donations of new mittens, gloves, hats, or scarves to our office on the corner of King and St. Paul Streets in Burlington are heartily welcome any time before Friday, December 9. Waterproof gloves and mittens are especially appreciated.

About 1,500 people are expected to take the three-mile trek to raise money and help draw attention to the needs of the homeless. The route follows the path a homeless person might travel to receive shelter and services in the Queen City.

VHFA's 2010 Mitten Drive was the subject of a piece on WVNY-TV Channel 22 and Fox44-TV last night.

Executive Director Sarah Carpenter appeared in the segment talking about the Agency's 2010 Mitten Drive to benefit the King Street Center in Burlington.

VHFA staff have donated mittens and gloves stuffed with candy to the center for many years. This year, the Agency's tied the drive to a social media campaign: We'll donate a pair of mittens or gloves to the center for every new "fan" who "likes" the VHFA Facebook page.